Impact resistant hurricane windows help to prevent your windows from shattering in storms or other accidents, keep your home safe from dangerous glass shards and potential break-ins. Read on to learn more about impact resistant hurricane windows.
Glass for Hurricane Windows
Using shatter-resistant glass, impact-resistant windows tend to be one of the safest options for your home's windows. This type of glass can be extremely helpful in storms, when trees or other debris threaten to crash through your home's windows. There are also a few different glazing options for impact-resistant windows. The two main types of glazing used for hurricane windows are laminated glass and impact resistant glass with a window film.
The laminated glass option has a membrane placed between the two glass sheets. This membrane holds the glass together under significant stress, which means that, even if the impact is enough to break the glass, the pieces will stay in place rather than shattering all over the floor.
Impact resistant glass with a window film isn’t quite as strong as the laminated option, but will still keep broken pieces in place with its shatter-resistant film. While both types are effective, laminated glass with a shatter-proof membrane is the most proven option.
Impact resistant hurricane windows can keep your home safe in extreme storms. | @ fotolia.com / JFsPic
Frames for Hurricane Windows
While glass and glazing are important, hurricane windows also rely on a strong frame to keep the system sturdy against storms. Three of the most popular options for frame materials are wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Wood frames are sturdy, but run the risk of warping if faced with too much condensation. Vinyl frames are also strong, but can be damaged when faced with extreme temperatures. Aluminum frames are popular, but can conduct temperature quickly. Whatever material is used, it's common for a hurricane window's frame to be reinforced with steel for extra security.
Costs for Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows won’t be the most expensive part of the home, but they definitely will increase your overall window costs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $55 per square foot for your impact resistant hurricane windows, depending on materials. While this is more expensive than a general window system, the protection offered by hurricane windows will lower longterm costs for repairs, replacements, and other damages.
Summary: A Safe Longterm Option for a Peace of Mind
Impact resistant hurricane windows are the perfect option to keep your home safe. Reducing storm damage and thwarting break ins, hurricane windows can ease your worries about any potential threats to your home. Additionally, you can customize your impact-resistant hurricane windows to fir with your personal preferences. While hurricane windows are pricier than the alternative, the additional safety and longterm savings make them worth the cost.
